Izunokuni(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Izu no Kuni City, stay at Goshikiyama Onsen Ryokan, a centuries-old inn nestled near Mount Oshio and surrounded by lush forest. It offers private outdoor baths, traditional Japanese rooms, and kid-friendly meals using local organic ingredients. The property is ideal for families seeking tranquility, with easy access to hiking trails, the Shinkō-ji Temple, and scenic views of Suruga Bay. Perfect for reconnecting with nature and culture.

The Mount Oshio Trail is the top hiking route in Izu no Kuni City, stretching 2.5 km to a summit offering panoramic views of Suruga Bay and the Izu Peninsula. Lined with ancient trees and forest paths, it’s perfect for sunrise or sunset treks. Combine your hike with an overnight stay at Goshikiyama Onsen Ryokan to enjoy the mountain’s serene atmosphere and starlit skies. A true immersion in nature’s beauty.

Visitors can participate in a tea ceremony workshop at Shinkō-ji Temple, learning the art of preparing Shizuoka green tea. The annual Mount Oshio Cherry Blossom Festival features traditional Noh theater performances and local craft markets, celebrating harmony between nature and culture. These events reflect the deep-rooted Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, offering travelers authentic insight into regional heritage.

The hot springs here are weakly alkaline sulfur springs, rich in minerals known for skin rejuvenation and muscle relaxation. Yukawa Onsen features open-air baths overlooking a tranquil stream—perfect for stargazing at night. Some inns, like Izu Highlands Onsen Hotel, offer "forest bathing" spa treatments combining meditation and thermal therapy, creating a holistic wellness experience rooted in nature.

Izu Highlands is the prime accommodation zone in Izu no Kuni City, offering quiet mountain serenity and easy access to attractions. Stay at Goshikiyama Onsen Ryokan or Izu Highlands Onsen Hotel, both within walking distance of Mount Oshio, Shinkō-ji Temple, and scenic trails. Ideal for morning hikes and evening contemplation, this area balances comfort with natural immersion.

Must-try dishes include Izu yellowtail sushi, matcha-infused grilled chicken, and desserts made with local Shizuoka tea. Many ryokan serve multi-course kaiseki dinners featuring fresh seafood from Suruga Bay and seasonal vegetables grown nearby. Dining here emphasizes shokuiku (food as medicine), reflecting Japan’s tradition of nourishing the body through nature-inspired cuisine.

Capture stunning shots at the summit of Mount Oshio, where you can photograph sunrise over Suruga Bay and the distant Izu Peninsula. The Yukawa Ravine path, lined with bamboo groves and clear streams, creates a natural frame perfect for landscape and portrait photography. Visit during spring blossoms or autumn foliage for dreamlike visuals, especially when mist lingers in the valley at dawn.

While located in a mountainous region, Izu no Kuni City is well-connected. Take the JR Tōkaidō Line to Atami Station, then transfer to the Izu Kyūkō Line to Izu no Kuni Station (~1 hour from Tokyo). Local sightseeing buses link key sites like Mount Oshio, Shinkō-ji Temple, and Yukawa Onsen. Renting a car is also recommended for exploring hidden trails and rural villages at your own pace.

Couples should book a private onsen room at Goshikiyama Onsen Ryokan, where they can soak under the stars with a view of the valley. Stroll hand-in-hand along the Yukawa Ravine at twilight, or enjoy a quiet tea ceremony at Shinkō-ji Temple. During cherry blossom season, visit the Oshio Spring Festival together—where lanterns glow beside ancient trees, embodying the Japanese concept of ichi-go ichi-e (treasuring each moment).

The ideal seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when temperatures are mild and nature is vibrant. Cherry blossoms in spring and fiery maple leaves in autumn create magical scenery. Summer offers cool mountain retreats despite humidity, while winter brings occasional snow, turning Mount Oshio into a serene, snowy wonderland. Avoid peak summer crowds for a more peaceful journey.